Carolyn Iverne Rittall Benner, 65, passed away on July 27 at her home in Nobleboro surrounded by her loving family and friends, following a courageous battle with kidney disease.
A loving wife, daughter, mother, nana, aunt and friend, Carolyn dedicated her life to her family and to helping others.
She was born on Oct. 1, 1941, in the town of Boothbay, to Jennie C. (Wylie) Rittall and the late Cecil W. Rittall.
She graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1959, where she lettered in basketball and softball. Following graduation, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and proudly served her country from 1959-1961.
Carolyn accomplished many things in her life. Her first priority was having a family of four children, and then she attended school to obtain her LPN. She later went on to become the director of Headstart for the State of Maine. She then became the director of Knox County Community Action, where she oversaw many charitable programs. Carolyn moved on to work for the Bureau of Mental Retardation as a consultant. In all that she did, she touched the lives of many people.
Continuing her career in Human Services, Carolyn went on to own and operate Hillside Home, a boarding home in Belfast, where she had a personal relationship with each and every client that passed through her doors.
Later in life, she became a real estate agent in California, but upon returning to Maine, she took up antiquing up and down the east coast, where she had an eye for old treasures. During those travels, Carolyn befriended many along the way.
Throughout her life, Carolyn lived in many places across the country: Mississippi, Pennsylvania, California, Florida and Connecticut, but she always returned back to her roots in Maine.
She had a passion for horseracing, antiques, old cars, and “wheeling and dealing.” She loved to travel to such places as Italy, Ireland, Spain, Canada and Tahiti and was a frequent snowbird from Maine to Florida for several years along with her mother. She was happiest when she was hitting the flea markets, lawn sales, auctions, and local fairs in Maine. In her younger years, one would often find her placing a bet on her favorite horse, Tommy-O, or sitting in her hunting stand. Most recently, she could be found carrying a first place trophy from a car show, taking a ride with her husband in their ’66 Chevelle Convertible, or testing her luck at the slot machines.
She was predeceased by her father, Cecil W. Rittall, and brother, Ralph Rittall.
She is survived by her husband, David A. Benner of Nobleboro; mother, Jennie Rittall of Nobleboro; children, Robert S. Soohey and wife Terri of Whitefield, Ralph W. Soohey and wife Lori of Bangor, Kim “The Queen” Rodriguez of Patten, and Joseph F. Soohey and wife Gabriela of Searsmont; stepchildren, David A. Benner, Jr. of Nobleboro, Wayne Benner and wife Audrey of Nobleboro, Amy Fossett and husband Edward of Pemaquid, and Peter Benner and wife Danica of Bristol; sister, Ruth Marcia and husband Fred of Madison; brother, Bill Rittall and wife Kathy of Nobleboro; grandchildren, Shelby Soohey and fiancé Jared Slauenwhite of Bangor, Jacki Soohey of Searsmont, Abbe-Jaye Soohey of Bangor, Rochelle Soohey of Searsmont, Robert Soohey of Whitefield, and Stephen Soohey of Whitefield; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Tues., July 31 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
Funeral 2 p.m., Wed., Aug. 1 at Hall Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Dorr officiating.
Burial will follow at the Dunbar Cemetery in Nobleboro.
Contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to your local animal shelter.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.